Abstract (in English)

A present or past identity is often closely associated with
specific locations and structures in the landscape. The
concept of a sense of belonging to a place enshrined in
religious and spiritual beliefs affects a community's
disposition towards the past. Usually local communities
care for only those material elements that have direct
significance to their spiritual apparatus. As Cleere (1989: 8)
points out some sites may be sacrosanct and unalienable,
but other manifestations of the past may be demolished or
neglected as having no significance. Following this
argument, the paper looks at the Nyanga community’s
perception of the past, and explores the nature of this
restricted concern. In order to solicit attitudes regarding
spiritual beliefs the locals were asked whether they held the
terraces as sacred. The diverse perceptions that emerged
have important implications on the management of the
cultural landscape.